Sometimes when our nieces and nephews are left in our care, stuff happens. They get sick, they get hurt, and issues of concern arise. The following are hypothetical questions that might occur while you are taking care of the kids.  Dr. Stephanie’s responses should be read for informational and educational purposes only. While Dr. Stephanie is a real pediatrician, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice from your health care provider when a real health concern happens. And in case of emergency, call 911!

My older niece is 11 and menstruating already. She’s sleeping over and is in a lot of discomfort. What can I give her to alleviate that?

Menstruation can be scary and painful at first for any adolescent.  You can treat her with NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprophen) for possible relief.  Also warm compress (i.e. heating pads) can help relieve some of the cramping.  If nothing is alleviating her pain and she describes this pain as very different then her previous menstruation she may have a more serious problem.  If this is the case take her to her physician so they can evaluate her for possible ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion.